Obituary: Ralph J. Valatka Jr.

Ralph J. Valatka Jr., 70, died in his sleep of heart disease. Ralph was born to Ralph Sr. and Ann Martha (Shamray) Valatka in Detroit. Both stalwart pillars of the Lithuanian community, Ralph’s dad was the colorful announcer of a Detroit radio show called “Lithuanian Melodies.” Ralph’s mom was a fabulous cook upon returning home from her full-time job as office manager of a major insurance firm. So, it isn’t any wonder that Ralph was blessed with his own brand of music, humor and cooking. After graduating from the University of Detroit Mercy, he married his college sweetheart Donna, and they brought two children into the world, Danielle and Brandon. Ralph spent his life professionally acting, writing, directing and producing. Donations may be made in Ralph’s name to the ACLU, The Nation magazine or the Door County Land Trust (Sturgeon Bay Canal Property). Services will be private.